Donations and awards keep Springdale woman's memory alive

Holly Goudie of Springdale died at 21 years of age on May 7, 2013. - Submitted

Warm memories of Holly Goudie

SPRINGDALE, NL — Holly Goudie is one of those examples of a life taken from the world too soon, but there are several initiatives in Springdale to ensure the young woman will never be forgotten.

At just 21 years of age, she died from an aneurysm May 7, 2013.

Her father, Kurt Goudie, describes Holly as a beautiful girl who loved life, sports and dogs.

“She was a very energetic person, very easy to get along with,” Goudie said. “She could strike up a conversation with anybody.”

Holly graduated from Indian River High and went on to complete a two-year office administration course at the College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook. She returned to Springdale and started working at Body Works Fitness and Physiotherapy in 2012.

It helps Goudie and his wife Sherry, Holly’s brother Gavin and other family and friends to know others still think of her.

His daughter touched many people’s lives, he said.

“Our community and the surrounding areas have been so good,” Goudie said. “People were so helpful immediately after Holly’s passing and even up to this day.

“There are a lot of people that we don’t even know that have helped out in a lot of different ways. We are so appreciative of everything people have done and what they continue to do.”

Quilts from Holly

After Holly’s death, her aunt Judy Pelley and family friend Sandra Newman began making quilts to donate to Ronald McDonald House in St. John’s in her memory. Other quilters throughout the area have joined the project.

A local group of quilters posed for a photo during a recent presentation of quilts in memory of Holly Goudie to the Ronald McDonald House. From left: Sharon Whitehorne, Lousie James, Roma Hicks, Tammy Anstey, Sherry Goudie, Kurt Goudie, Lisa Goudie, Wavey Normore, Ami Barney and Judy Pelley.

Late last year, the family donated 29 quilts, bringing their total donations over the past five years to 227 quilts.

It’s still difficult for Pelley to talk about her niece without getting emotional. Holly was a beautiful young girl, she said.

“Holly was so sweet ... every family occasion we’d have a meal together,” she said. “Everybody got their own stories about Holly.”

Pelley said anyone interested in making a quilt to donate to any worthy cause can get a tag from her to sew on the quilt. The lovely piece of embroidery reads “Donated by family and friends of Holly Goudie.”

About Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House provides sick children and their family a comfortable place to stay when in St. John’s for medical treatment at the Janeway’s Children’s Hospital.

Christine Morgan, director, development and communications of Ronald McDonald House Charities NL, says once a family checks in, they can stay there as long as they need to while their child needs medical attention.

Since opening in 2012, Ronald McDonald House has provided more than 28,809 nights of accommodations to 1,100 families.

Thanks to many donors — including the family of the late Holly Goudie — Morgan said each child who visits the house can choose a quilt from the collection to keep and take home.

“This is a wonderful way to welcome children to Ronald McDonald House,” Morgan said via e-mail.

Legacy at home

Indian River High presents the Holly Goudie Memorial Student Athlete Award at the end of every school year. The award is given to students who work hard, but who may not necessarily be the top students in their class, according vice-principal Ruth Cameron.

Cameron said Holly was committed to the school’s athletic program, while also working hard academically.

“Holly showed an incredible work ethic, in her academics and her athletics,” she said. “She was a fantastic student, and it’s an honour for us to give a student award in her memory.”

The Springdale Minor Hockey Association also offers an award in her memory.

Association’s president Chris Morgan said the Holly Goudie Hardest Worker Award goes to the hardest worker in each division.

“Holly played soccer and hockey,” Morgan said. “She played all kinds of sports. She was a beautiful young lady and a great athlete.”